Automated food processing system and method

ABSTRACT

A system for food preparation, including a system body, a blade actuator retained by the system body; a set of blades; a blade platform rotatably mounting the set of blades, the blade platform pivotally connected along a first edge to the system body and operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; and a container platform defining a container receptacle, the container platform pivotally connected along a first edge to the system body and operable between a loading position and a processing position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional of, and claims priority to, U.S.application Ser. No. 14/808,442filed Jul. 24,2015,which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 62/031,076, filed Jul. 30,2104; 62/076,188,filed Nov. 6, 2014; 62/133,674, filed Mar. 16,2015; and62/154,466, filed Apr. 29, 2015, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by this reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to the field of blending foods and morespecifically to a new and useful automated food processing system andrelated method for blending foods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1A and 1B are isometric views of an example of the system.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a door actuation path.

FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of the example of the system.

FIG. 4 is a profile view of an example of the system components.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an example of the system components, withthe blade shield in the clean position.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an example of the system components, withthe blade shield removed.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an example of the system components, withthe blade shield removed.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are an isometric view and side view of a blade shieldcoupled to a blade assembly.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a variation of the blade assembly with ablade recess.

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a variation of system control.

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of the method of system operation.

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of the method of system operation,including processing unit agitation.

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of the cleaning the bladeassembly.

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of the method.

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of an example of the method.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiments of the inventionis not intended to limit the invention to these preferred embodiments,but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use thisinvention.

1. Automated Food Processing System

As shown in FIG. 3, an automated food processing system 100 includes: ahousing 200; a container platform 300 operable between a loadingposition 302 and a processing position 304; a blade assembly 400including: a blade platform 420 operable between an engaged position 422and a disengaged position 424 and a set of blades 440 rotatably mountedto the blade platform 420; and a blade actuator 800. In one variation,the automated food processing system is an automatic blending system,and is configured to blend the food solids into an emulsion.

In one variation of the automated food processing system furtherincludes: a blade shield 900 transiently operable in a clean position,the blade shield 900 substantially enveloping the blender blade in thecleaning position during a clean cycle; a cleaning fluid injectorinjecting a volume of cleaning fluid into the lumen formed between theblade shield 900 and the blade platform 420 during the clean cycle; anda drain adjacent the blade actuator 800 and receiving the volume ofcleaning fluid from the blade shield 900 via the spout. The system 100can additionally or alternatively include a door 220 operable between anopen position and a closed position, the door 220 cooperativelyenclosing the container platform 300, blade platform 420, set of blades440, and blade actuator 800 in the closed position and exposing at leastthe container platform 300 in the open position; a set of sensors usedto determine the presence of the container 120 within the containerreceptacle 320, the lid position, or any other operation parameter; anda processor 180 that automatically controls system operation.

However, the system 100 can include any other suitable component.

2. Applications

Generally, the automated food processing system 100 functions to processfoodstuff. In one variation, the automated food processing systemautomatically blends food solids, such as frozen or whole food, into anemulsion. The system 100 preferably processes single-serve food portions(e.g., portions of 8-16 oz), but can alternatively processmultiple-serve food portions (e.g., portions of 2-4 L). The system 100is preferably a countertop system, but can alternatively be a largeappliance (e.g., for use in an office or café setting), or have anyother suitable form factor. The system 100 is preferably self-contained,but can alternatively connect to one or more utilities (e.g., anelectricity outlet and/or water supply, such as a faucet). The automatedfood processing system preferably processes foods into smoothies, butcan alternatively or additionally make soups, baby food, sauces, choppedfood, food mixes (e.g., batter), or otherwise process the food.

In operation, the automated food processing system functions to receivea container 120 (e.g., a cup, a bowl) containing food solids, toautomatically process (e.g., mix, blend) the food solids within aprocessing cavity entirely or partially formed by the container 120 intoa mixture (e.g., an emulsion), to deliver the mixture back to a consumerfor consumption directly from the container 120, and to automaticallyclean the portions of the automated food processing system in directcontact with the food solids and/or the emulsion.

In a first specific example, the automated food processing system candefine a self-contained, countertop system that receives the cupcontaining frozen fruit and/or frozen vegetables. The system 100 canautomatically dispense a particular volume of water into the cup oncethe cup has been loaded into the automated food processing system. Thesystem 100 can automatically invert the cup and blend its contents intoa smoothie, and return the cup—now containing the smoothie—to aconsumer. The system 100 can automatically clean all or portions of theautomated food processing system in contact with the fruit, vegetables,and/or smoothie in preparation for receiving a subsequent cup of frozenfruit and/or vegetables.

In a second specific example, the system 100 can additionally oralternatively receive a bowl containing soup ingredients, such as slicedvegetables, cream, stock, and spices, and the automated food processingsystem can then automatically blend the contents of the bowl into asoup, deliver the bowl back to a consumer for consumption of the soupdirectly from the bowl, and clean elements of the automated foodprocessing system in contact with the soup or the soup ingredients inpreparation for blending food solids in a subsequent cup or bowl loadedinto the automated food processing system.

However, the automated food processing system can function as astandalone system for processing any other type of food solids into amixture or an emulsification in situ within a container 120, wherein thecontainer defines both a storage container 120 for the food solids and aconsumption container 120 from which a consumer consumes theemulsification. For example, the automated food processing system canblend fruit into a smoothie, blend vegetables into a soup, processvegetables into salad, blend cornmeal into grits, grind oats intooatmeal, and/or blend fruits and vegetables into baby food, etc.

3. Container and Foodstuff

The automated food processing system can accept a container 120containing one or more foodstuffs to be blended. The container 120 caninclude a body, which defines a container opening fluidly connected to acontainer 120 lumen that retains the foodstuff. The container 120 canadditionally include a container lid. The container 120 is preferablyconfigured to removably couple (e.g., transiently couple) to thecontainer receptacle 320, but can alternatively substantiallypermanently couple or otherwise couple to the container receptacle 320or container platform 300.

The container 120 can be prepackaged (e.g., be provided by amanufacturer or supplier with the foodstuff pre-arranged within thecontainer 120), be filled by a user, or be otherwise supplied. Thecontainer 120 can be disposable (e.g., made of wax paper, cardboard,bamboo, plant fiber, polypropylene, etc.) or reuseable (e.g., made ofthermoplastic, silicone, etc.). The container 120 can be rigid,flexible, or have any other suitable deformation property (e.g.,elasticity or rigidity). The container 120 can be thermally insulative,thermally conductive, or have any other suitable thermal property. Thecontainer 120 can be transparent, translucent, opaque, or have any othersuitable optical property. The container 120 can be cylindrical,prismatic, frustroconical, or have any other suitable shape.

The container 120 (vessel) can include keying features (locationfeatures) that function to orient the container 120 within the containerreceptacle 320 and/or resist container rotation during the blend cycle.The container keying features are preferably complimentary to keyingfeatures on the container receptacle 320, but can alternatively bemismatched or have any other suitable relationship to the containerreceptacle keying features. The keying feature can be the containerprofile, a feature (e.g., protrusion, depression, aperture, etc.) alongthe container housing 200, or include any other suitable keying feature.The keying feature is preferably defined along the portion of thecontainer 120 configured to engage the container receptacle 320, but canalternatively be defined along the entirety of the container face (e.g.,along the entire container 120 length, entire container base, etc.) orbe defined along any other suitable portion of the container 120. Thekeying feature can be defined along the container housing 200 (e.g.,along the base or sidewall), along the container lid, or along any othersuitable portion of the container 120. In one variation, the keyingfeature can include a multi-sided container cross-section, such as apolygon (e.g., an octagon, nonagon, etc.). In a specific variation, thekeying feature can be the container edge or lip defining the containeropening, wherein the container lip cross-section can be multi-sided. Ina second variation, the keying feature can be an asymmetric protrusionextending radially from the container sidewall. However, any othersuitable keying feature can be used.

The container 120 can additionally include flow features that facilitateturbulent flow generation, such as spiral features on the wall (e.g., inthe direction of rotation, against the direction of rotation, etc.),protrusions extending radially inward from the wall, or include anyother suitable feature that encourages turbulent flow. The flow featuresare preferably defined along the wall interior (e.g., the wall facedefining the container 120 lumen), but can be defined elsewhere.

The container 120 can additionally include a container lid, whichfunctions to seal the foodstuff within the container 120 lumen. Thecontainer lid can be a snap lid, a sheet melted, adhered, or otherwisecoupled to the container opening, or be any other suitable containerlid. The container 120 can be inserted into the system 100 with thecontainer lid, wherein the system 100 automatically manages thecontainer lid (e.g., removes the container lid, pierce the containerlid, etc.), or be inserted into the system 100 without the containerlid. In the latter instance, the user preferably removes the containerlid prior to container 120 insertion into the system 100. In thisinstance, the system 100 can additionally notify the user in response todetermination that the container lid is still on the container 120.However, the container lid can be otherwise processed.

For example, a container 120 can be cup containing frozen strawberries,frozen blueberries, and frozen yogurt and sealed with a lid, such as amolded polymer snap lid or a wax-paper lid bonded over an opening of thecup. The cup lid can be removed from the cup and the cup then loadedinto the automated food processing system by a user, the automated foodprocessing system can execute the method to add fluid (e.g., water,juice, milk, etc.) to the cup and to blend the frozen strawberries,frozen blueberries, and frozen yogurt in a fruit smoothie, and the cupthen removed from the automated food processing system and the smoothieconsumer directly from the cup by the user.

The foodstuff can be substantially whole foodstuff (e.g., whole berries,whole nuts, whole seeds, whole fruits), be pre-blended foodstuffrefrozen into pellets, discs, or as a solid piece within the cup, bepresented in liquid form, or be in any other suitable form factor. Inone variation, liquid, high-cellulose content, and/or foods with a highclumping probability (e.g., apples) are preblended and re-formed intopellets that are subsequently included in the cup, while other foods,such as berries, can be included as whole fruits in the cup. Thefoodstuff temperature is preferably maintained at substantially 0° F.(e.g., within a margin of error, such as several degrees) but canalternatively be maintained at 15-20° F., maintained at roomtemperature, or be maintained at any other suitable temperature.

However, the automated food processing system can receive a container120 of any other form and containing any other food solids, and theautomated food processing system can execute the method in any other wayto automatically process the food solids for a user.

4. Housing

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the housing 200 of the automated foodprocessing system functions as a mounting point and support for thesystem components. The housing 200 (system body) also functions to houseand enclose the system components. The housing 200 can include a baseand sidewalls extending from the base. The sidewalls can extend from thebase at a normal angle (e.g., at a 90° angle), or extend from the baseat any other suitable angle. The sidewalls and/or base are preferablyrigid, but can alternatively be flexible or have any other suitablematerial property. The housing 200 is preferably substantially opaque,but can alternatively be transparent or translucent.

The automated food processing system 100 can additionally include a door220 that functions to cooperatively enclose the system components withthe housing 200. The door 220 is preferably operable between an openposition and a closed position. The door 220 preferably cooperativelyencapsulates the container receptacle 320 within the housing 200 in theclosed position and exposes the container receptacle 320 in the openposition, but can additionally or alternatively enclose the containerplatform 300, blade assembly 400 (e.g., including the blade platform 420and set of blades 440), blade actuator 800, or any other suitablecomponent within the housing 200 in the closed position and expose thecomponent in the open position.

The door 220 is preferably actuatably mounted to the housing 200, butcan alternatively be statically mounted to the housing 200. The door 220can be slidably engaged to the housing 200, and includes a handle orpull that enables a user to actuate the door 220. In this variation, thehousing 200 can form a lower portion of the system body, while the door220 forms an upper portion of the system body. The upper and lowerportions of the system body are preferably coupled along a coupling axis(e.g., substantially aligned with a gravity vector when the base isrested on a support surface), wherein the upper portion (the door 220)slides along a plane perpendicular the coupling axis. The upper portioncan slide along a plane substantially parallel the housing base,substantially parallel the container platform 300 in the loadingposition 302, or slide along any other suitable plane. The interfacebetween the upper and lower portions can include tracks, grooves,magnets, or any other suitable sliding interface. The front face of theupper portion is preferably retracted from the front face of the lowerportion in the open position, and preferably aligned with the front faceof the lower portion in the closed position. However, the door 220 canbe part of a tray that slides in and out of the housing 200, be a door220 that slides perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing200, or be slidably coupled to the housing 200 in any other suitablemanner. The door can be manually actuated, automatically actuated (e.g.,automatically open), and/or be actuated in any other suitable manner.The door actuation mechanism can be active (e.g., driven by a motor),passive, or be actuated in any other suitable manner. In one variation,the door can additionally include a return mechanism (e.g, a spring,magnet, etc.) that biases the door in the open position. However, thedoor can include any other suitable component.

Alternatively, the door 220 can be pivotally connected to the housing200. In one variation, a longitudinal edge of the door 220 can bepivotally (rotatably) connected to the housing 200, wherein the door 220can be arranged along a sidewall of the housing 200. In a secondvariation, an edge of the door 220 can be pivotally connected to a topof the housing 200. However, the door 220 can be otherwise connected tothe housing 200. The housing 200 can additionally or alternativelyinclude any other suitable component.

The housing 200 can additionally include a set of sensors or switchesconfigured to determine the instantaneous door position. Sensors thatcan be used include tilt sensors, optical sensors, accelerometers,magnetometers, Hall effect sensors, or any other suitable sensor.Switches include contact switches, limit switches, magnetic switches, orinclude any other suitable type of switch. The sensors or switches arepreferably mounted to the door 220 and/or housing 200 (e.g., to thepivot point, to the casing, to the threshold, etc.), but canalternatively be mounted at any other suitable position. The sensors orswitches are preferably connected to the processor 180, but canalternatively be connected (e.g., wirelessly or through a wiredconnection) to any other suitable control system. The door canadditionally include soundproofing (e.g., foam), thermal insulation,electrical insulation, or include any other suitable component.

5. Container Platform

The container platform 300 (vessel platform) of the automated foodprocessing system functions to receive and retain the container 120.More preferably, the container platform 300 functions to locate thecontainer 120 laterally, longitudinally, and vertically (in asubstantially upright position) within the automated food processingsystem until the blade platform 420 is closed over the containerplatform 300 upon initiation of a blend cycle, but can alternativelyorient the container 120 in any other suitable orientation. Thecontainer platform 300 preferably defines a container receptacle 320that receives and retains the container 120, but can alternativelyreceive and retain the container 120 in any other suitable manner. Thecontainer platform 300 can additionally cooperatively seal the container120 against the blade assembly 400, place the container 120 in theprocessing position 304 (e.g., blending position), facilitate containercontent heating, retain the container orientation and/or position, orotherwise manipulate the container 120 or contents therein. Thecontainer platform 300 is preferably arranged proximal the housing 200opening (e.g., proximal the door 220), but can alternatively be arrangedwithin the door 220 or be arranged in any other suitable location. Thecontainer platform 300 is preferably arranged parallel a housing baseand/or perpendicular a gravity vector in the loading position 302, butcan alternatively be arranged in any other suitable configuration.

In one example, the container platform 300 can be arranged proximal afront of the automated food processing system in the loading position302, such as behind or underneath a door 220 of the automated foodprocessing system. A user can retrieve a prepackaged container 120containing food solids sealed therein by a lid, remove the lid from thecontainer 120, and load the container 120 into the receiver (e.g.,through bore) in the container platform 300 currently in the loadingposition 302. The container can be received through an opening proximalthe front of the automated food processing system (e.g., the dooropening), at an exposed container receptacle, or otherwise received.Furthermore, when the container platform 300 is set in the loadingposition 302 in preparation for receiving a new container 120 containingsolid foods for blending in a subsequent blend cycle, the blade platform420 can be in the second position over the blade actuator 800 and theblade shield 900 can be set in the cleaning position over the blenderblade to physically shield a user—reaching into the automated foodprocessing system to load a container 120 into the container platform300—from the blender blade.

The container platform 300 can be substantially planar (e.g., within amargin of error), curved (e.g., convex or concave toward the bladeplatform 420), or have any suitable configuration. The containerplatform 300 is preferably larger than the container opening, but canalternatively be smaller than the container opening or have any suitableset of dimensions. The container platform 300 preferably defines areceiving face (e.g., a broad face) and a set of edges bounding thereceiving face. The container platform 300 can be thermally conductive(e.g., made of metal), thermally insulative (e.g., made of plastic), orhave any other suitable material property.

The container platform 300 can additionally define a containerreceptacle 320. The container receptacle 320 can be a through-boreconfigured to receive all or a portion of the container 120therethrough, a recess configured to receive a portion of the container120 (e.g., the container base or portion of the container sidewall), orhave any other suitable geometry for receiving and supporting acontainer 120 installed therein. The container receptacle 320 preferablyadditionally includes a set of keying features complimentary to that ofthe container 120, but can alternatively include any other set offeatures. In one example, the container receptacle 320 can be athrough-bore, and can additionally include a chamfer or fillet about thebore edge that couples to the polygonal container opening exteriorcross-section, wherein the chamfer or fillet further locates thecontainer 120 within the container receptacle 320.

The container receptacle 320 can additionally or alternatively include aretention feature that functions to retain the container position and/ororientation. In one variation, the retention feature can be an aperturesmaller than the container lip or opening cross section, such thatgravity retains the container 120 within the container receptacle 320 inthe loading position 302. In this variation, the blade platform 420 canretain the container 120 within the container receptacle 320 in theprocessing position 304. In a second variation, the retention featurecan be a mechanical feature, such as a slot or clip. In a thirdvariation, the retention feature includes a set of spring-loaded platesbiased toward the receiving face that function to seal the containerreceptacle in a first position and retain an inserted container in asecond position. However, the retention feature can be a magneticelement attracted to a ferrous component in the container 120, anadhesive, a set of hooks or loops, or be any other suitable retentionfeature.

The container platform 300 can be operable between a loading position302 and a processing position 304, wherein the processing position 304is distinct from the loading position 302. The loading and processingpositions are preferably different angular positions, but canalternatively be different horizontal positions, different verticalpositions, or actuate along any other suitable axis. Alternatively, thecontainer platform 300 can be statically coupled to the housing 200. Thecontainer platform 300 preferably receives the container 120 in theloading position 302, and retains the container 120 proximal the set ofblades 440 or blade actuator 800 in the processing position 304, but canperform any other suitable functionality in the loading and/orprocessing positions. The container platform 300 can pivot between theloading and processing position 304, but can alternatively slide betweenthe loading and processing position 304 (e.g., laterally, vertically,etc.), or otherwise actuate between the loading and processingpositions. The container platform 300 can pivot about the length of acontainer platform side (e.g., be hinged along the respective corner oredge), pivot about an axis normal to the container platform side face(e.g., about a container platform edge or along a portion of thecontainer platform side), or pivot in any other suitable direction. Thecontainer platform 300 is preferably coupled to the housing 200, but canalternatively be coupled to any other suitable portion of the system100.

As shown in FIGS. 4-7, in the loading position 302, the containerplatform 300 can be substantially parallel the housing base,perpendicular the housing base, be at an angle between parallel andperpendicular to the housing base, or be in any other suitableorientation. A second container platform edge opposing the pivoting edgeis preferably distal the blade actuator 800 in the loading position 302(e.g., such that a normal vector of the receiving face is at a non-zeroangle to the rotational axis of the blade actuator 800, but canalternatively be at any other suitable angle), but can alternatively beproximal the blade actuator 800 or be arranged in any other suitableposition. As shown in FIG. 11, in the processing position 304, thecontainer platform 300 can be at an obtuse angle relative to the housingbase, substantially parallel the housing base, perpendicular the housingbase, be at an angle between parallel and perpendicular to the housingbase, or be in any other suitable orientation. The second containerplatform edge opposing the pivoting edge is preferably proximal theblade actuator 800 in the processing position 304 (e.g., such that anormal vector of the receiving face is substantially parallel to therotational axis of the blade actuator 800, but can alternatively be atany other suitable angle), but can alternatively be distal the bladeactuator 800 or be arranged in any other suitable position. However, thecontainer platform 300 can be otherwise retained relative to the housing200, and be operable between any other suitable set of positions.

In one example, the container platform 300 is hinged along a trailingedge to the housing 200. The container platform 300 is pivotable aboutthe trailing edge between a loading position 302 and a processingposition 304, wherein the receiving face directed upward in the loadingposition 302 (e.g., with a normal vector opposing a gravity vector) anddirected toward the blade actuator 800 in the processing position 304(e.g., with the normal vector directed toward the blade actuator 800).The container 120 can be a frustoconical container that tapers towardsthe container base and defines a rim about the circumference of its openend, the receiving face can define a bore of an internal diametergreater than an outer diameter of the container open end and less thanthe maximum outer diameter of the rim of the container 120, such thatthe receiving face supports the container 120 from its rim. Thecontainer platform 300 can also define a protrusion extending from thereceiving face and extending around the through-bore to elevate the rimof a container 120, loaded into the container receptacle 320, above thereceiving face such that the rim of the container 120 contacts and sealsagainst a seal arranged in a base of a recess of the blade platform 420when the blade platform 420 is locked to the container platform 300, asdescribed below. However, the receiving face of the container platform300 can define any other suitable geometry for receiving a container 120of any other suitable geometry.

The system can additionally include a lifting mechanism 340 thatfunctions to bias a retained container 120 out of the system 100. Thelifting mechanism 340 preferably biases the container 120 along a vectornormal to the container receptacle 320, but can alternatively bias thecontainer 120 along any other suitable vector. The lifting mechanism 340(e.g., elevator) can be active (e.g., driven by a motor) or passive.Examples of the passive lifting mechanism 340 include a spring, magnet,or pendulum biasing a lifting platform upward (e.g., toward thecontainer receptacle 320), wherein the passive lifting mechanism 340 canbe retained in a receiving position (e.g., such that the mechanism doesnot bias the container 120 upward) by a switch, latch, or othermechanism. The lifting mechanism 340 is preferably operated in responseto completion of the processing cycle, but can alternatively be operatedat any other suitable time.

The container platform 300 can additionally include a set of containerplatform sensors or switches that function to detect the presence of acontainer 120 within the container receptacle 320. The sensor and/orswitch output can additionally function to identify the type ofcontainer 120 within the container receptacle 320. The sensor can bearranged on the container platform, the lifting mechanism, or any othersuitable portion of the system body. Sensors that can be used includetilt sensors, optical sensors (e.g., a laser tripwire), accelerometers,magnetometer, Hall effect sensors, pressure sensors, force sensors(e.g., piezoelectric, strain gauge, etc.), or any other suitable sensor.Switches include contact switches, limit switches, magnetic switches, orinclude any other suitable type of switch. The sensors or switches arepreferably mounted to the container receptacle 320 (e.g., within thecontainer receptacle 320, at the container receptacle 320 opening,etc.), more preferably the lifting mechanism 340 but alternatively thecontainer receptacle 320 opening or any other suitable portion of thecontainer receptacle 320. However, the sensors or switches can bemounted to any other suitable portion of the container platform 300. Thesensors or switches are preferably connected to the processor 180, butcan alternatively be connected (e.g., wirelessly or through a wiredconnection) to any other suitable control system.

6. Blade Assembly

The blade assembly 400 of the automated food processing system functionsto retain the blades, and can additionally function to engage with thecontainer 120 and/or container platform 300, facilitate desired flowwithin the processing lumen cooperatively formed between the bladeassembly 400 and the container 120 (e.g., turbulent flow), or performany other suitable functionality. As shown in FIG. 9, the blade assembly400 includes a blade platform 420 and a set of blades 440, and canadditionally include a drive shaft connected to the blades, sensors, alocking mechanism 480, or any other suitable component. The bladeassembly and blade actuator preferably cooperatively forms a split drivesystem in which the blade assembly is selectively couplable to the bladeactuator, but can alternatively be substantially permanently coupled(e.g., wherein the blade actuator moves with the blade assembly) or haveany other suitable configuration.

The blade assembly 400 preferably actuates relative to the bladeactuator 800, the container platform 300, and/or the housing 200, asshown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 13, but can alternatively remainsubstantially static. The blade assembly 400 is preferably pivotablebetween an engaged position 422 and a disengaged position 424, but canalternatively slide between the first and the blade platform 420 oractuate in any other suitable manner. The engaged position 422 ispreferably complimentary (e.g., substantially similar to) the processingposition 304 of the container platform 300, while the disengagedposition 424 is preferably complimentary to the loading position 302 ofthe container platform 300. However, the blade assembly 400 can beoperable between any other suitable set of positions. The blade assembly400 preferably actuates about a portion of the blade platform 420, butcan alternatively actuate about any other suitable component. The bladeassembly 400 is preferably arranged over and adjacent the containerplatform 300 in the disengaged position 424 and operatively mates theblades to the blade actuator 800 in the engaged position 422, but canalternatively operate in any other suitable manner.

In operation, one variation of the blade assembly 400: latches to thecontainer platform 300 in the disengaged position 424; moves to theengaged position 422 (with the container platform 300, such that thecontainer platform 300 is in the processing position 304) to facilitatecontainer content blending; returns to the disengaged position 424 withthe container platform 300 (and the container 120, now with blendedcontents) to the loading position 302, such that the container 120 is inthe loading position 302; then moves back to the engaged position 422without the container platform 300 to reveal the container 120 forremoval from the automated food processing system by a user. However,the blade assembly 400 can operate in any other suitable manner.

In a specific example, the blade assembly 400 includes a set of bearings(e.g., two tapered bearings) that are set in the bore of the bladeplatform 420, a driveshaft 460 extending through the blade platform 420and supported between the set of bearings, a coupler fixed to back endof the driveshaft 460 and configured to engage an output shaft of theblade actuator 800 (e.g., blade actuator interface 820), a rotordefining a set of sharpened blades (e.g., sharpened stainless steelblades) extending from the driveshaft 460 over a container 120-facingsurface of the blade platform 420, and a seal 428 sealing the driveshaft460 to the container 120-facing surface of the blade platform 420. Therotor with sharpened blades can be undersized for the open end of thecontainer 120 such that the blades clear the internal walls of container120 as the blade platform 420 is rotated into the first positionadjacent the container platform 300, the blades thus passing fully intothe container 120 along an arcuate path. However, the blades can be ofany other form or type and can be mounted in any other way to the bladeplatform 420.

6.1. Blade Platform

The blade platform 420 functions to support the set of blades 440, andcan additionally function to support and/or retain the driveshaft 460.The blade platform 420 can additionally function to cooperatively form aprocessing chamber 142 with the container 120 and/or container platform300, and can facilitate formation of desired flow patterns within theprocessing chamber 142. In one variation, the blade platform 420 (e.g.,a planar or curved surface) and the container platform 300 cooperativelyretains a container lip therebetween, wherein the processing chamber 142is formed between the blade platform 420 and the container 120 lumen.However, processing chamber 142 can be formed by the blade platform 420sealing against the container platform 300 or be otherwise formed.

The blade platform 420 preferably defines a processing face (e.g., abroad face) bounded by a set of edges and sides. The processing face ispreferably arranged proximal the container platform 300, but canalternatively be arranged distal the container platform 300 or arrangedin any other suitable orientation. The blade platform 420 canadditionally define a blade recess 426 (e.g., recessed blade chamber)that functions to entirely or partially surround the set of blades 440,a driveshaft 460 aperture, or any other suitable feature. Alternatively,the blade platform 420 can be substantially flat, continuous, or haveany other suitable configuration. The blade platform 420 canadditionally include a seal 428 that functions to seal against thecontainer 120, container platform 300, or container receptacle 320, orinclude any other suitable component.

The blade platform 420 of the blade assembly 400 is preferablyacutatable relative to the housing 200, wherein blade platform 420actuation actuates the blade assembly 400, but can alternatively bestatically coupled to the housing 200 or otherwise coupled to thehousing 200. In one variation, the blade platform 420 is pivotablebetween the engaged position 422 and the disengaged position 424,wherein the engaged position 422 is distinct from the disengagedposition 424. The engaged and disengaged positions are preferablydifferent angular positions, but can alternatively be differenthorizontal positions, different vertical positions, or actuate along anyother suitable axis. In this variation, the blade platform 420 can bearranged over and adjacent the container platform 300 (in the loadingposition 302) in the disengaged position 424, and can be engaged with orbe proximal to the blade actuator 800 in the engaged position 422. Theblade platform 420 can pivot about the length of a blade platform side(e.g., be hinged along the respective corner or edge), pivot about anaxis normal to the blade platform side face (e.g., about a bladeplatform edge or along a portion of the blade platform side), or pivotin any other suitable direction. However, the blade platform 420 canslide or otherwise actuate between the engaged and disengaged positions.The blade platform pivot axis can be parallel to the container platformpivot axis, be shared with (i.e., coincident) the container platformpivot axis, be at a non-zero angle to the container platform pivot axis,or be otherwise related to the container platform pivot axis, The bladeplatform 420 is preferably coupled to the housing 200, but canalternatively be coupled to any other suitable portion of the system100.

In the disengaged position 424, the blade platform 420 can besubstantially parallel the housing base, perpendicular the housing base,be at an angle between parallel and perpendicular to the housing base,be aligned with the container platform 300 in the loading position 302,contact the container platform 300 in the loading position 302, or be inany other suitable orientation. A second blade platform edge opposingthe pivoting edge or face is preferably distal the blade actuator 800 inthe disengaged position 424 (e.g., such that a normal vector of theprocessing face is at a non-zero angle to the rotational axis of theblade actuator 800, but can alternatively be at any other suitableangle), but can alternatively be proximal the blade actuator 800 or bearranged in any other suitable position. In the engaged position 422,the blade platform 420 can be at an obtuse angle relative to the housingbase, substantially parallel the housing base, perpendicular the housingbase, be at an angle between parallel and perpendicular to the housingbase, contact or be aligned with the container platform 300 in theprocessing position 304, be arranged proximal the blade actuator 800, orbe in any other suitable orientation. The second blade platform edgeopposing the pivoting edge or face is preferably proximal the bladeactuator 800 in the engaged position 422 (e.g., such that a normalvector of the processing face is substantially parallel to therotational axis of the blade actuator 800, but can alternatively be atany other suitable angle), but can alternatively be distal the bladeactuator 800 or be arranged in any other suitable position. However, theblade platform 420 can be otherwise retained relative to the housing200, and be operable between any other suitable set of positions.

The blade platform 420 can be rigid or flexible. The blade platform 420can be thermally conductive, thermally insulative, or have any othersuitable material property. The blade platform 420 can be made of metal,polymer, rubber, or any other suitable material. The blade platform 420can be substantially planar, substantially continuous, or define one ormore features.

6.1.1. Blade Recess

In one variation as shown in FIGS. 3, 6, 7, and 9, the blade platform420 defines a blade recess 426 that functions to surround all or aportion of the blades. The set of blades 440 preferably do not extendbeyond the opening plane defined by the blade recess 426, but canalternatively extend beyond the recess. This configuration can conferseveral benefits, including: increasing the volume of foodstuff that canbe processed (e.g., by reducing the amount of volume occupied by theblade within the cup while blending); reducing blending stress, therebyenabling higher-speed and/or powered processing, such as blending (e.g.,such that whole vegetables and fruits can be blended); and a moreuniform blended matter consistency.

The blade recess 426 preferably defines an opening configured to coupleto the container 120 and/or container receptacle 320 opening. The bladerecess 426 opening can be slightly larger than the container 120 and/orcontainer receptacle 320 opening, slightly smaller than the container120 and/or container receptacle 320 opening, substantially the samedimensions and/or geometry as the container 120 and/or containerreceptacle 320 opening, or be otherwise configured. The blade recess 426is preferably defined in the processing face and is concave, but canalternatively be defined along any other suitable surface and be convex,prismatic, conical, frustroconical, or have any other suitable shape. Inone example, the blade recess 426 can include a spherical dome(spherical cap). In a second example, the blade recess 426 can besubstantially cylindrical, with rounded edges (e.g., a tapered cylinderwith edge blends, a straight cylinder, etc.). In a third example, theblade recess 426 can be conical, with the cone apex proximal the bladeplatform 420 face opposing the processing face. However, the bladerecess 426 can be otherwise configured.

The blade platform 420 can conform to the blade recess 426 (e.g., suchthat the blade platform 420 face opposing the processing face has aprofile mirroring the blade recess 426 geometry), or the blade recess426 can be defined within the thickness of the blade platform 420.However, the blade recess 426 can be otherwise related to the bladeplatform 420. The blade recess 426 can have a substantially smoothsurface, have a textured surface, include grooves or swirls (e.g., inthe direction of blending blade rotation, in an opposing direction,etc.), or include any other suitable feature. The features can promotedesired flow formation (e.g., direct fluid flow within the processingchamber 142); reduce blending stress on the blade platform 420, blades440, driveshaft 460, container 120, or container platform 300;facilitate container 120 sealing to the blade platform 420, or performany other suitable functionality.

6.1.2. Driveshaft Bore

The blade platform 420 can additionally define a driveshaft bore thataccepts a driveshaft 460 of the blender assembly therethrough. Thedriveshaft bore is preferably coaxially arranged with the region of theblade platform 420 configured to engage with the container 120 and/orcontainer receptacle 320 (engagement region), but can alternatively bearranged offset within the engagement region or arranged in any othersuitable location. In the variant in which the blade platform 420defines the blade recess 426, the driveshaft bore is preferably definedat the apex or along the central axis of the blade recess 426, but canalternatively be defined offset from the apex or central axis of theblade recess 426, or be defined in any other suitable position.

The driveshaft bore preferably has a smooth arcuate surface, but canalternatively be splined or include any other suitable feature. In oneimplementation, the driveshaft bore can include a set of bearings (e.g.,two tapered bearings), wherein the driveshaft 460 extends through theblade platform 420 and supported between the set of bearings.

6.1.3. Seal

As shown in FIG. 9, the blade platform 420 can also include a seal 428that—when the blade platform 420 is moved into the first position and islocked to the container platform 300—engages the container 120 (e.g.,the container 120 rim, container opening, container edges, etc.) and/orcontainer receptacle 320 to prevent foodstuff egress from the container120 while the foodstuff is being processed (e.g., blended). In oneexample, the seal can prevent foodstuff within the container 120 fromleaking out from between the container 120 rim and the blade platform420 when the container 120 is (substantially) inverted and its contentsare being blended during a blend cycle. The seal can additionally engagewith the blade shield 900 to cooperatively form a wash chambertherebetween, or engage with any other suitable component.

The seal 428 can extend along the engagement region or merely trace theperimeter of the engagement region. In one variation, the seal candefine a circular recess slightly oversized in interior diameter for thecircular rim of the container 120, wherein the circular recess receivesthe rim of the container 120 such that a base of the recess sealsagainst the rim of the container 120 when the blade platform 420 islocked to the container platform 300. Alternatively, when the bladeplatform 420 defines a blade recess 426, the seal can be arranged withinthe blade recess 426 or along the edge of the blade recess 426 to sealagainst the rim of a container 120. However, the seal can have any othersuitable geometry or set of features. The seal can be made ofelastomeric material (e.g., a polymer), gel, metal, rigid plastic, or bemade of any other suitable material. For example, the seal can includinga food-safe o-ring sized to match the diameter of the rim ofstandard-sized container 120. The seal can additionally function todefine all or a portion of the egress manifold, the fluid dispenser, orany other suitable element.

6.2. Blade Set

The set of blades 440 of the blade assembly 400 function to process thefoodstuff within the processing chamber 142, and/or generate turbulentflow within the processing chamber 142 and/or cleaning chamber 162(e.g., cooperatively formed by the blade platform 420 and the bladeshield 900). The set of blades 440 is preferably rotatably mounted tothe blade platform 420. More preferably, the set of blades 440 isstatically mounted to a driveshaft 460, wherein the driveshaft 460rotates relative to the blade platform 420. However, the set of blades440 can be directly mounted to the blade platform 420, rotate relativeto each other, or be otherwise configured.

The set of blades 440 can include one or more blades. Multiple bladescan have the same geometry, or have different geometries. The blades cantaper toward a blade tip, curve toward a blade tip, have a bent bladetip, taper toward a leading edge, twist about a longitudinal axis, beflat, be triangular, rectangular, or have any other suitable geometry.The blades can be arranged offset along the driveshaft 460, be arrangedin-line, or have any other suitable relative relationship. The bladescan be arranged with the tips extending outward from the blade platform420 (e.g., distal the blade platform 420), but can alternatively bearranged with the tips extending inward toward the blade platform 420 orbe arranged in any other suitable orientation.

6.3. Driveshaft

The driveshaft 460 of the blade assembly 400 functions to operativelyconnect the blades to the blade actuator 800. The driveshaft 460 ispreferably removably couplable to the blade actuator 800, such that thedriveshaft 460 is disconnected from the blade actuator 800 when theblade assembly 400 is in the disengaged position 424, and drivablyconnected to the blade actuator 800 when the blade assembly 400 is inthe engaged position 422. Alternativley, the driveshaft 460 can bepermanently coupled (e.g., mounted, formed as a singular piece) to theblade assembly 400, the blade actuator, the blade platform, thecontainer platform, or be otherwise coupled to any other suitable systemcomponent.

The driveshaft 460 preferably rotatably mounts the set of blades 440 tothe blade platform 420, but can alternatively statically connect theblades to the blade platform 420 or otherwise relate the blades with theblade platform 420. The driveshaft 460 preferably extends through thedriveshaft bore in the blade platform 420, but can alternativelyterminate at the blade platform 420 (e.g., wherein the driveshaft 460only extends from the processing face of the blade platform 420 outward)or be otherwise configured. The driveshaft 460 preferably extendsperpendicular the blade platform 420 (e.g., normal to the blade platform420), but can alternatively extend at any other suitable angle. Thedriveshaft 460 preferably freely rotates relative to the blade platform420 about the driveshaft longitudinal axis (rotational axis), but canalternatively be statically coupled to the blade platform 420. Thedriveshaft 460 can remain axially static relative to the blade platform420, freely actuate along an axis substantially parallel the rotationalaxis relative to the blade platform 420, actuate within a limited rangealong the rotational axis, or be otherwise axially coupled to the bladeplatform 420.

The driveshaft 460 preferably defines a blade end 462 and an actuatorengagement end 464 (e.g., motor engagement end) opposing the blade end462. The blade end 462 mounts the set of blades 440, and is preferablyarranged proximal the processing face and/or container platform 300(e.g., arranged within the blade recess 426), but can alternatively bearranged elsewhere. The actuator engagement end 464 functions toselectively engage with the blade actuator 800, and is preferablyarranged distal the processing face and/or container platform 300 (e.g.,arranged proximal the blade actuator 800), but can alternatively bearranged elsewhere. In particular, the actuator engagement end 464functions to engage the blade actuator 800 in the engaged position 422(e.g., such that the driveshaft 460 can transfer processing, orrotational, force from the blade actuator 800 o to the blades on theblade end 462), and is disengaged from the blade actuator 800 in thedisengaged position 424. However, the driveshaft 460 can be otherwiseconfigured. The actuator engagement mechanism can be a mechanicalengagement mechanism, an electromagnetic engagement mechanism (e.g.,magnets, electrostatic attraction, etc.), an adhesive, or include anysuitable coupling mechanism. The driveshaft can pivot about an externalpivot point to engage with the actuator, traverse linearly to engagewith the actuator, rotate about the longitudinal axis to engage with theactuator, or otherwise actuate to engage with the actuator.

The actuator engagement end 464 can engage with the blade actuator 800along an interior surface, along an exterior surface, along a broad faceof the end (e.g., perpendicular a driveshaft 460 longitudinal axis), orengage with the blade actuator 800 along any other suitable surface. Theengagement surface is preferably splined, but can alternatively includethreads, be smooth, or include any other suitable set of features.

The actuator engagement end 464 is preferably profiled. Because theblade actuator 800 and driveshaft 460 engage along an arcuate directionof travel (arcuate engagement path), unlike conventional systems, whichengage in an axial direction, the motor and blade can suffer frommisalignment issues, which can lead to interface wear or system failure.

In one variation, as shown in FIG. 8B, the blade assembly 400 includes adriveshaft 460 with a convex, rounded surface that interfaces with theblade actuator 800. The radius of the rounded actuator engagement end464 is preferably determined based on the radius of the arcuate travelpath (e.g., be calculated from the path radius or substantially matchthe path radius), but can alternatively have any other suitable radius.The rounded actuator engagement end 464 can include a dome (e.g., aspherical cap), a cylinder with rounded edges, a cylinder with filletededges, or have any other suitable profile. Alternatively, the actuatorengagement end 464 can be prismatic with sharp, rounded, or filletededges, or have any other suitable shape.

Alternatively and/or additionally, as shown in FIGS. 4, 11, and 12, themisalignment between the blade actuator 800 and driveshaft 460 can beaccommodated by a compliant interface 840. The compliant interface 840can be arranged at the blade actuator 800 (e.g., such that the bladeactuator 800 can move relative to the housing 200 and blade assembly400), be arranged at the blade assembly 400 (e.g., such that the pivotpoint includes the compliant interface 840), and/or be assembled to anyother suitable component. The compliant interface 840 can include a setof springs (e.g., one or more) biasing the coupled component away fromor toward the housing 200, a set of magnets (e.g., one or more) biasingthe coupled component away from or toward the housing 200, a set ofdampers, foam, a motor actively changing the angle of the componentrelative to the housing 200 (e.g., the same motor as the blade actuator800, blade platform 420 actuator, and/or container platform actuator, orbe a separate motor), or be any other suitable interface capable ofadjusting the angle of the component relative to the housing 200. Thecompliant interface 840 can be mounted to the housing 200 and thecomponent, or be mounted to any other suitable set of mounting points.

In one example, the blade actuator platform is spring-loaded, such thatit can actuate in one or more directions. In this example, the bladeactuator platform includes one or more springs biasing the bladeactuator 800 toward the driveshaft 460. Blade assembly 400 compressionagainst the blade actuator platform can adjust the angle of the bladeactuator platform relative to the driveshaft 460, such that thelongitudinal axis of the driveshaft 460 is substantially aligned withthe longitudinal axis of the motor interface. The mount can include twosprings located along the mount edge proximal the base, one springcentered along the mount edge proximal the base, or any suitable numberof springs arranged in any configuration. The blade actuator platformcan additionally include an extension that protrudes beyond the motorinterface, such that the blade platform 420 contacts and applies adepression force to the extension, instead of prior to contact forceapplication to the motor interface. However, the blade platform 420 canbe mounted on springs, or any other suitable compliant interface 840 canbe used.

6.4. Blade Assembly Sensors

The blade assembly 400 can additionally include a set of sensors thatfunction to report the operation parameter values of the blade assembly400. More preferably the sensors are configured to measure the operationparameter values of the processing chamber 142 and/or cleaning chamber162 (e.g., wherein the sensors are connected to or arranged proximal theprocessing face of the blade platform 420), but can alternativelymeasure the tilt or any other suitable operation parameter of the bladeassembly 400. The sensors can include flow sensors (e.g., configured tomeasure the flow rate within the processing chamber 142 or cleaningchamber 162), temperature sensors, pressure sensors, cameras, opticalsensors, orientation sensors (e.g., accelerometer, etc.), rotarysensors, or include any other suitable sensor.

6.5. Locking Mechanism

The locking mechanism 480 of the blade assembly 400 transiently locksthe blade platform 420 to the container platform 300. Locking the bladeplatform to the container platform can seal the blade platform 420against an adjacent lip of the container 120 in the first position.Generally, the locking mechanism 480 functions to transiently andselectively lock the container platform 300 to the blade platform 420.

As shown in FIG. 7, the locking mechanism 480 can be coupled to theblade platform 420 and engage a corresponding feature (e.g., a bolt,cutout, hook, etc.) arranged on the container platform 300 to lock theblade platform 420 to the container platform 300 during a blend cycleand/or bias the blade platform 420 against the container platform 300.In particular, the locking mechanism 480 can engage the feature on thecontainer platform 300 to lock the blade platform 420 to the containerplatform 300 as the blade platform 420, container 120, and containerplatform 300 are pivoted—as a unit—into the second position, the blenderblade is spun to blend the contents of the container 120, and as theblade platform 420, container 120, and container platform 300 arepivoted—as a unit—back into the first position before separation of theblade platform 420 from the container platform 300 to enable removal ofthe container 120—and its blended contents—from the automated foodprocessing system. The locking mechanism 480 can also engage a similarfeature on the blade shield 900 during a clean cycle. For example, thelocking mechanism 480 can be actuated once the blade shield 900 reachesthe clean position to lock the blade shield 900 to the blade platform420, thereby sealing the blade shield 900 to the blade platform 420 ascleaning fluid is injected toward the blender blade and the blenderblade spun during the clean cycle. However, the locking mechanism 480can be coupled to any other suitable component.

In one implementation, the locking mechanism 480 includes anelectromechanical pull latch operable between an unlatched position anda latched position. In this implementation, the locking mechanism 480includes a hooked latch that, when actuated from the unlatched positioninto the latched position, rotates toward an adjacent latching feature(arranged on the container platform 300 or on the blade shield 900) andthen draws linearly back into a housing 200 of the locking mechanism 480to pull the latching feature inward toward the housing 200, therebydrawing adjacent faces of the blade platform 420 and the containerplatform 300 together during a blend cycle and drawing adjacent faces ofthe blade platform 420 and the blade shield 900 together during a cleancycle. Subsequently, when the locking mechanism 480 actuated from thelatched position back into the unlatched position, the hooked latchmoves linearly away from housing 200 and the rotates away from theadjacent latching feature, the hooked latch thus clearing the latchingfeature and enabling the blade platform 420 to separate from thecontainer platform 300 during a blend cycle and enabling the bladeplatform 420 to separate from the blade shield 900 together during aclean cycle. As in this implementation, the automated food processingsystem can include any number of locking mechanisms 480 coupled to theblade platform 420 and engaging corresponding features (e.g., bolts) onthe container platform 300 and/or the blade shield 900. Alternatively,one or more locking mechanisms 480 can be arranged on the containerplatform 300 and engage corresponding features on the blade platform 420to lock the container platform 300 to the blade platform 420, and one ormore locking mechanisms 480 can be arranged on the blade shield 900 andengage the same or different features on the blade platform 420 to lockthe blade shield 900 to the blade platform 420. However, the lockingmechanism 480 can include a magnetic locking mechanism 480, an adhesivelocking mechanism 480, or include any other suitable locking mechanism480.

6.6. Egress Manifold and Trough

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 13, the blade platform 420 can also define anegress manifold 700 (e.g., spout) that functions to fluidly connect theprocessing chamber 142 with a drain or fluid outlet. The egress manifold700 can additionally or alternatively function as a pressure equalizer(e.g., vent). The egress manifold 700 can be a vertical recess extendingfrom the blade recess 426 to an edge of the platform, wherein theplatform edge is arranged over a trough 710 (or drain) supported in thehousing 200. In particular, the egress manifold 700 allows cleaningfluid (wash fluid, rinse water)—injected between the blade platform 420and the blade shield 900 to clean the blender blade during a cleancycle—to drain from the blade recess 426 in the blade platform 420downward into the trough 710 after the cleaning cycle.

The egress manifold 700 can be a tube, pipe, hole in the cavity, or haveany other suitable configuration, and can be unobstructed, include avalve (e.g., one way or two way valve configured to control fluid flowfrom the system interior to or from the system exterior), vent, or anyother suitable flow regulation mechansim. The egress manifold can beoperable between an open position that permits fluid flow therethrough,and a closed postion that prevents fluid flow therethrough or preventsflow of selective fluids therethrough. The egress manifold operation canbe passively controlled (e.g., by pressure differentials), activelycontrolled (e.g., by a motor, electromagnetic coupling mechanism, etc.),or otherwise controlled.

The egress manifold 700 can be cooperatively defined by the bladeplatform 420 and the blade shield 900, entirely defined by the bladeplatform 420, or be defined in any other suitable manner. In onevariation, the egress manifold 700 can be defined along the pivot edgeof the blade platform 420. In a second variation, the egress manifold700 can be defined along the blade shield 900 edge proximal the pivotedge of the blade platform 420. In a third variation, the egressmanifold 700 can be defined through the thickness of the blade platform420 (e.g., perpendicular or at any other suitable angle to theprocessing face). However, the egress manifold 700 can be arranged inany other suitable configuration. The egress manifold 700 is preferablyfluidly connected to the engagement region (e.g., fluidly connected tothe blade recess 426), but can alternatively be fluidly isolated fromthe engagement region and be arranged in any other suitable position.

In one variation, the spout can face the container platform 300 and canbe sealed outside of the container 120 and the seal in the bladeplatform 420 when the blade platform 420 is locked to the containerplatform 300, and the spout can face substantially upward (e.g., 300from horizontal) when the blade platform 420 moves to the engagedposition 422 after returning the container platform 300 and container120 with blended contents to the disengaged position 424 prior toinitiating a clean cycle. With the blade platform 420 facing upward withthe blade platform 420 in the engaged position 422 upon initiating of aclean cycle, the blade shield 900 can move into the clean position inwhich the perimeter of the clean container 120 substantially sealsagainst the exposed face of the blade platform 420 without substantiallyobstructing the spout such that cleaning fluid injected toward the bladeduring the clean cycle drains out of the volume between the blade shield900 and the blade platform 420 substantially exclusively via the spout.

The automated food processing system can additionally include a trough710 that collects food waste and waste water from left over from blendand clean cycles executed on the automated food processing system. Inone implementation, the trough 710 defines an open end that extendslongitudinally within the automated food processing system between atrailing edge of the container platform 300 in the first positionadjacent the blade actuator 800: such that cleaning fluid can drain fromthe spout into the trough 710 below; and such that any blended matterthat falls from the receiver of the blade platform 420—as the bladeplatform 420 moves from the first position back to the second positionto reveal the container 120 and its blended contents for removal fromthe automated food processing system at the end of a blend cycle—fallsinto the trough 710. The trough 710 can therefore also define a widthsubstantially similar to or greater than a width of the receiver of theblade platform 420 to substantially ensure that any blended matterfalling from the blade platform 420—but missing the container 120 as theblade platform 420 moves from the first position to the secondposition—is captured by the trough 710. The trough 710 can thus collectfood waste collected from the blade platform 420 during a blend cycleand wash and rinse fluid collected from the blade platform 420, theblender blade, and the blade shield 900 during a rinse cycle. The trough710 can further dispense of this waste from the automated foodprocessing system by funneling this waste into a residential orcommercial drain in a space in which the automated food processingsystem is located or installed. For example, the water dispenser can tapinto a city water supply, and the trough 710 can tap into a city sewersystem, the city water supply and city sewer system both provided in abuilding or space occupied by the automated food processing system.However, the trough, water dispenser, or any other suitable fluidcontaining volume can be fluidly connected to any other suitable fluidsource or sink. However, the trough 710 can be of any other formarranged in any other way within the automated food processing systemand can dispense of food waste and waste water from the automated foodprocessing system in any other suitable way.

7. Platform Actuator

The platform actuator 500 of the automated food processing system iscoupled to the blade platform 420, and functions to pivot the bladeplatform 420 from the engaged position 422 into the disengaged position424. The platform actuator 500 can additionally pivot the blade platform420, the container 120, and the container platform 300, locked to theblade platform 420 by the locking mechanism 480, between a firstposition and a second position (e.g., the disengaged and engagedpositions, respectively; the processing and loading positions 302,respectively). Alternatively, a container platform actuator separatefrom the platform actuator 500 can actuate the container platform 300between the loading and processing positions 304. Generally, theplatform actuator 500 functions to move the blade platform 420 betweenthe engaged position 422 and the disengaged position 424 during a foodprocessing cycle (e.g., blending cycle).

The platform actuator 500 can be a motor, such as an electric motor; ahandle (e.g., wherein the platform is manually actuated, or be any othersuitable force-generating mechanism. The electric motor can be a DCmotor or an AC motor. Examples of the electric motor include a brushedDC motor, an electronic commutator motor, a universal AC-DC motor, aninduction motor, a synchronous motor, a doubly fed electric machine, arotary motor, a linear motor, or be any other suitable motor. Theplatform actuator 500 can be drivably coupled to the blade platform 420and/or container platform 300 by a coupling mechanism. The couplingmechanism can be an angular gear drive, bevel drive, belt gear, wormgear, or be any other suitable force transfer mechanism.

In one example of platform actuator operation, at the start of a blendcycle, the blade platform 420 is arranged in the engaged position 422with the blender assembly engaged with the blade actuator 800, and thecontainer platform 300 is arranged in the loading position 302 (i.e.,the first position), thus separated (e.g., angularly offset) from theblade platform 420. Once insertion of a new container 120 into thecontainer platform 300 is detected, once a blend cycle input is enteredin the automated food processing system, or once any other suitableblend cycle start event is detected, the platform actuator 500 can applya torque to the blade platform 420 to rotate the blade platform 420 intothe first position over the container platform 300. The lockingmechanism 480 can then latch the blade platform 420 to the containerplatform 300 with the container 120 constrained therebetween. Once theblade and container platforms 300 are latched, the blade actuator 800can apply a torque to the blade platform 420 in an opposite direction topivot the container platform 300, the container 120, and the bladeassembly 400—in unit—to the second position, in which the driveshaft 460of the blade assembly 400 engages the blade actuator interface 820(blade actuator 800 output shaft). In the second position, the container120 is thus supported in a substantially inverted orientation by theblade and container platforms 300. For example, opposing adjacent facesof the blade and container platforms 300 can be arranged at a 30° anglefrom horizontal in the second position.

Once the contents of the container 120 are processed (e.g., blended, byactuating the blade actuator 800 coupled to the blade for a period oftime), the platform actuator 500 then pivot the container platform 300,the container 120, and the blade assembly 400—in unit—back into thesecond position, and the locking mechanism 480 unlatches the containerplatform 300 from the blade assembly 400. With the blade platform 420now released from the container platform 300, the platform actuator 500pivots the blade assembly 400 back into the second position adjacent theblade actuator 800, such that the blade assembly 400 is separated fromthe container platform 300, and such that the container 120 (now withblended contents) is revealed and accessible for retrieval from theautomated food processing system by a user.

The platform actuator 500 can therefore include a rotary actuator thatis directly or indirectly coupled to the blade platform 420 to move theblade platform 420 (and other latched components of the automated foodprocessing system) between the first and second positions. For example,the blade platform 420 can be locked to an axle, the container platform300 can be bushed on the axle and therefore pivot about the axleindependently of the axle, and the platform actuator 500 can include anelectric gearhead motor coupled to the axle by a timing belt thatcommunicates torque from an output shaft of the electric gearhead motorinto the axle to pivot the blade platform 420. However, the platformactuator 500 can be any other suitable type of actuator and canselectively rotate and/or translate the blade platform 420, thecontainer platform 300, and/or the container 120 between the first andsecond positions in any other suitable way.

7.1. Platform Actuator Sensors

The automated food processing system can further include one or moresensors that detect a position of the blade platform 420, the containerplatform 300, and/or the platform actuator 500 to inform control of theplatform actuator 500. The sensors can include switches (e.g., limitswitches, tilt switches, pressure switches, toggle switches, etc.),rotary encoders (e.g., conductive encoders, optical encoders, on-axismagnetic encoders, off-axis magnetic encoders, etc.), or include anyother suitable sensor. The platform actuator 500 sensors are preferablyconnected to the platform actuator 500, but can alternatively beconnected to the force transfer mechanism, the blade assembly 400 (e.g.,the blade platform 420), or be connected to any other suitablecomponent. The platform actuator 500 sensors are preferably connected tothe processor 180, but can alternatively be connected (e.g., wirelesslyor through a wired connection) to any other suitable control system.

For example, the automated food processing system can include variouslimits switches, and a processor 180 (or similar controller) arrangedwithin the automated food processing system can trigger the platformactuator 500 to pivot the blade platform 420 from the first positiontoward the second position until the blade platform 420 contacts asecond limit switch, thereby indicating that the blade platform 420 hasfully entered the second position. Subsequently, in this example, thecontroller can trigger the platform actuator 500 to pivot the bladeactuator 800 from the second position back toward the first position (asin Block S140) until the blade platform 420 contacts a first limitswitch, thereby indicating that the blade platform 420 has fully enteredthe first position. (The automated food processing system can similarlyinclude a third and a fourth limit switch that indicate the limits ofthe blade shield 900 between a clean position and a retracted position,and the processor 180 can control an actuator to move the blade shield900 between these positions accordingly.) Alternatively, the automatedfood processing system can incorporate one or more optical trip sensors,linear or rotary encoders, a Hall effect sensors, or any other suitabletype of sensor(s) to detect the position of the blade platform 420(and/or other component) within the automated food processing system,and the processor 180 within the automated food processing system cantrigger an actuator to move one or more elements of the automated foodprocessing system between positions in any other way or according to anyother schema.

8. Blade Actuator

As shown in FIG. 3, the blade actuator 800 of the automated foodprocessing system functions to actuate (e.g., rotate) the blades. Theblade actuator 800 preferably selectively engages the blades when theblade assembly 400 is in the engaged position 422, and is selectivelydisengaged from the blades when the blade assembly 400 is in thedisengaged position 424. Generally, the blade actuator 800 functions tospin the blades to blend contents within the container 120 when theblender blade is engaged with the blade actuator 800 in the engagedposition 422. Alternatively, the blade actuator 800 can be permanentlymounted to the blade platform, blades, or be otherwise configured.

The blade actuator 800 can be a motor, such as an electric motor, butcan alternatively be any other suitable force-generating mechanism. Theelectric motor can be a DC motor or an AC motor. Examples of theelectric motor include a brushed DC motor, an electronic commutatormotor, a universal AC-DC motor, an induction motor, a synchronous motor,a doubly fed electric machine, a rotary motor, a linear motor, or be anyother suitable motor. The blade actuator 800 can be retained by a bladeactuator platform, to the housing 200, or to any other suitablecomponent. The blade actuator 800 is preferably statically mounted tothe mounting surface, but can alternativley actuate relative to theblade assembly 400, or be retained in any other suitable manner. Theblade actuator platform can be coupled to the housing 200 by a compliantinterface 840, as discussed above; statically mounted to the housing200; or otherwise coupled to the housing 200.

The blade actuator 800 can additionally include a blade actuatorinterface 820 that functions to drivably engage with the blade assembly400. The blade actuator interface 820 can be an output shaft,complimentary magnet, or be any other suitable force transfer mechanismconfigured to transfer a rotary force generated by the blade actuator800 to the blade assembly 400 (e.g., the driveshaft 460 and/or set ofblades 440).

For example, the blender blade can include an electric motor with anoutput shaft configured to transiently engage the blade actuator 800(e.g., only when the blade platform 420 is in the second position) andto communicate torque into the blender blade when the blender blade andthe blade actuator 800 are engaged. The blade actuator 800 can rotatethe blender blade according to a particular blend time, a particularblend formulae (e.g., pattern), a particular blend schema, or any othersuitable set of operation parameters to process the contents of thecontainer 120. For example, the blade actuator 800 can rotate theblender blade continuous as a maximum power or rotation rate (e.g., 4000rpm) for a preset period of time (e.g., ten seconds). In anotherexample, the blade actuator 800 can pulse rotation of the blender bladebetween off and maximum power, such as ‘full-power’ for one second, offfor one-half of one second, and repeat this for ten cycles. In yetanother example, the blade actuator 800 can ramp the blender blade fromstatic up to maximum speed (or maximum power) and then back down tostatic smoothly over a period of time (e.g., twelve seconds). However,the blade actuator 800 can implement any other blend schema or cycle.

The blade actuator 800 can execute the same processing schema for eachfresh container 120 loaded into the automated food processing system,for each container 120 containing the same type of food (e.g., oneprocessing schema for all smoothies and another processing schema forbaby foods), or uniquely for each container 120 or user, etc. Forexample, the blade actuator 800 can rotate the blade at a first speed(e.g., 4000 rpm) for a first time (e.g., ten seconds) for a smoothie toachieve a desired consistency of the smoothie (i.e., emulsion), and theblade actuator 800 can rotate the blade at a second speed (e.g., 60 rpm)for a second time (e.g., thirty seconds) for oatmeal to achieve adesired level of mixing of the oatmeal grains with milk, cinnamon, andsugar. However, the blade actuator 800 can include any other suitabletype of actuator that spins the blade to mix or blend, etc. the contentsof the container 120 according to any other suitable schema.

The blade actuator 800 can additionally be waterproofed orwater-resistant. The blade actuator 800 can be enclosed within awaterproof or water-resistant enclosure, coated with a hydrophobiccoating, made from or include hydrophobic materials, incorporate one-waywater-selective membranes or valves that drain water out of the motorenclosure, or include any other suitable water management system.

The system 100 can additionally include soundproofing mechanisms thatfunction to reduce the amount of generated or emitted noise from thesystem 100. Soundproofing mechanisms can include: using a low-soundemission motor, using sound-absorbing material for the cup (e.g.,bagasse, bamboo, plastic, etc.), using a low-sound emission bladedesign, including sound insulation or dampeners in the container 120holder (e.g., silicone lining, etc.) and/or blade actuator 800, orinclude any other suitable sound-proofing mechanism.

9. Fluid Dispenser

The fluid dispenser 600 of the automated food processing systemdispenses a volume of fluid into a chamber. The chamber can be entirelyor partially formed by the blade assembly 400, container, or by anyother suitable system component. The fluid can function to wash thechamber and/or constituent components, control the temperature of thechamber contents (e.g., heat, cool, or maintain the temperature of thechamber contents), purge the fluid manifolds or any other suitablecomponent of the system 100, or perform any other suitablefunctionality. The system can include one or more fluid dispensers,wherein each can serve a different function (e.g., dispense fluids atdifferent temperatures) or serve the same function. The chamber can be aprocessing chamber 142, cleaning chamber 162, or be any other suitablechamber. The fluid can be liquid, gas, or any other suitable fluid. Thefluid can be water (e.g., hot water, cold water, etc.), cleaning fluid(e.g., mixed in-line or at the fluid dispenser 600), oil, juice,flavored water, or any other suitable fluid.

The fluid dispenser 600 can dispense fluid into the chamber (e.g.,container 120) in response to insertion of the container 120 into thereceiver of the container platform 300 in the first position (loadingposition 302) or determination of container 120 presence within thecontainer receptacle 320, in response to a predetermined period of timebeing met (e.g., after 5 minutes has passed since the last rinse), inresponse to the temperature in the fluid manifold reaching a thresholdtemperature (e.g., when the temperature in the fluid line falls below150° F.), in response to blade platform sealing against the containerplatform, in response to blade platform latch engagement with thecontainer platform, or in response to the occurrence of any othersuitable trigger event.

The fluid dispenser 600 preferably includes a fluid manifold fluidlyconnected to a fluid source 620, but can alternatively include any othersuitable fluid connection. The fluid source can be a fluid reservoir, afluid heater (e.g., connected in-line between a fluid source and thesystem 100), a fluid generator, a utility (e.g., a city water system),or be any other suitable fluid source. In a specific example, the fluidsource can be a water heater configured to heat water to at least 100°F., to between 120° F.-200° F., to approximately 190° F. (within amargin of error, such as 5° F.), or to any other suitable temperature.190° F. can be preferred in some variations, particularly inapplications in which the container 120 is transported and stored inconventional cold chain (e.g., at 0° F.), to bring the container contenttemperature up to a desired temperature. The fluid source can holddifferent volumes of fluid at different temperatures, heat the fluid todifferent temperatures by varying heating time, hold fluid at a singletemperature and mix the fluid with lower temperature fluid to change thetemperature, or provide fluid at different temperatures in any othersuitable manner.

The fluid dispenser 600 can be fluidly connected to the fluid source bya secondary fluid manifold (e.g., an intermediary tube, such as a rigidor flexible tube), directly connected to the fluid source, or beotherwise connected to the fluid source. The secondary fluid manifoldcan additionally actuate (e.g., pivot at the same point as the bladeplatform) to minimize stretching. The fluid dispenser 600 canadditionally include regulators and/or sensors for pressure,temperature, flow rate, or other fluid parameters connected to the fluiddispenser 600 (e.g., arranged within the fluid dispenser 600, arrangedin-line with the fluid dispenser 600, arranged in any other suitablelocation, etc.). The fluid dispenser 600 can additionally includepassive and/or active valves (e.g., check valves, ball valves, etc.)that function to control fluid flow therethrough, one or more waterfilters, one or more additive manifolds (fluidly connected to additivereservoirs), or include any other suitable component.

The fluid dispenser 600 is preferably fluidly connected to theprocessing face of the blade platform 420, but can alternatively befluidly connected to the receiving face of the container platform 300,the lumen of the container receptacle 320, arranged above the containerplatform 300 in the loading position 302 (e.g., within the volume abovethe container receptacle 320), or be fluidly connected to any othersuitable component. The fluid dispenser 600 can extend through thethickness of the blade platform 420 and terminate within the engagementregion (e.g., within the blade recess 426, etc.), extend through thethickness of the container platform 300, extend parallel to thereceiving or processing faces, or extend along any other suitableportion of the system 100. The fluid dispenser 600 can be orientedand/or introduce fluid along a normal vector to the receiving orprocessing faces, along an acute angle to the receiving or processingfaces, along a tangent to the blade recess 426 and/or containerreceptacle 320, or along any other suitable vector. The fluid dispenser600 can be a separate fluid manifold from the other system components(e.g., be a separate tube), can be defined by the system components, orcan be defined in any other suitable manner.

The fluid dispenser 600 can remain substantially static relative to theblade assembly 400, the container platform 300, or the housing 200, orcan actuate relative to the blade assembly 400, the container platform300, or the housing 200. In the latter variation, the fluid dispenser600 can be actuated by a passive actuator (e.g., a spring, foam, etc.)or an active actuator (e.g., a motor).

In a first variation, the fluid dispenser 600 extends through the bladeplatform thickness to the blade recess 426, normal to the planar portionof the processing face. The fluid dispenser 600 can terminate proximalthe driveshaft 460, proximal the perimeter of the engagement region, orterminate at any other suitable location. In a second variation, thefluid dispenser 600 extends through the blade platform 420 at an angleto the planar portion of the processing face, and terminates at an anglewithin the blade recess 426. In this variation, the fluid dispenser 600is configured to direct fluid along a tangential vector within the bladerecess 426, in a swirl pattern. However, any other suitable fluiddispenser 600 arranged in any other suitable configuration can be used.

In one specific example, the fluid dispenser 600 includes a water linethat connects to a commercial or residential water supply with akitchen, office, or other space occupied by the automated foodprocessing system. In this example, the water dispenser can include apressure regulator, a valve, and a spigot, wherein the pressureregulator regulates water pressure from the commercial or residentialwater supply (e.g., at 50 psi) down to an internal-use pressure (e.g.,30 psi), and wherein the valve is selectively actuated for discreteperiods of time to meter a particular volume of fluid from the pressureregulator, through the spigot, into the container 120. The spigot caninclude a rigid water line pivotably suspended over and directeddownward toward the receiver of the container platform 300 to dispensethe volume of water from the valve directly into the container 120.Alternatively, the spigot can include a flexible line extending downwardover and directed toward the receiver of the container platform 300. Inone example implementation, the spigot is coupled to an access door 220of the automated food processing system via a mechanism such that, whenthe access door 220 is opened by a user to load a fresh container 120into the container platform 300, the mechanism moves the spigot out ofthe way of the path of the container 120 into the automated foodprocessing system. Similarly, when the blade platform 420 moves into thefirst position over the container platform 300, the blade platform 420can push the spigot out of its the path. Alternatively, the spigot canbe coupled to an actuator that moves the spigot between a dispenseposition over the container 120 and a retracted position out of the wayof a container 120 and/or blade platforms 420 and out of the way ofinsertion or removal of a container 120 into or out of the containerplatform 300. Yet alternatively, the spigot can be integrated into thecontainer platform 300 to dispense water into the container 120 once thecontainer 120 is loaded into the automated food processing system orintegrated into the blade platform 420 to dispense water into thecontainer 120 once the blade platform 420 is arranged over the containerplatform 300 in the first position. However, the spigot can be arrangedin any other way within the automated food processing system to dispensewater into the container 120.

The fluid dispenser 600 can supply the volume of fluid into thecontainer 120 in response to detected insertion of a new container 120into the container platform 300, in response to closure of the door 220through which the new container 120 was loaded into the automated foodprocessing system, in response to selection of a “start” button or amenu selection on the automated food processing system (or a device incommunication with the automated food processing system), in response toopening of the door 220, in response to removal of the container fromthe container receptacle, in response to a predetermined time durationhaving passed, or in response to any other suitable event.

In a specific example, the fluid dispenser 600 dispenses a first volumeof fluid at a first temperature for a first time duration into aprocessing chamber cooperatively formed between a container and theblade platform in response to blade platform sealing against thecontainer. The fluid dispenser 600 dispenses a second volume of fluid ata second temperature (e.g., 140F-160F) for a second time duration into awash chamber cooperatively formed between the blade shield and the bladeplatform in response to door actuation (e.g., door opening) to rinse theblades and processing face. The fluid dispenser 600 dispenses a thirdvolume of fluid at a second temperature (e.g., 180F) for a third timeduration (e.g., 30 seconds) into the wash chamber in response to apredetermined time threshold (e.g., 4 hours) being met.

The processor 180 of the automated food processing system canadditionally control the volume, flow rate, pressure, duration, and/orany other suitable fluid parameter of the dispensed fluid. For example,the processor 180 can further trigger the valve (e.g., a solenoid valve)to open for a preset period of time (e.g., three seconds) to portion aparticular preset volume of fluid into the container 120. The processor180 can also adjust the length of time that the valve is opened—andtherefore the amount of fluid dispensed into the container 120—such asbased on a menu selection entered by the user (e.g., for a consistencyof the emulsion), based on a type of food solid contained in thecontainer 120, based on a menu or command read from the container 120,etc. However, the water dispenser can function in any other way andinclude any other suitable component arranged in any other way todispense.

10. Blade Shield

One variation of the automated food processing system further includes:a blade shield 900 transiently operable in a clean position andsubstantially enveloping the blender blade in the cleaning positionduring a clean cycle; the cleaning fluid injector configured to inject avolume of cleaning fluid into the blade shield 900 and toward theblender blade during the clean cycle; and the drain (or trough 710, asdescribed above) adjacent the blade actuator 800 and receiving thevolume of cleaning fluid from the blade shield 900 via the spout.Generally, the blade shield 900, fluid injector, and drain cooperativelyfunction to automatically clean the blender blade and the blade platform420—both of which may contact food during a blend cycle—upon completionof a blend cycle.

In one implementation, the blade shield 900 is coupled to an actuatorthat actuates (e.g., pivots, actuates axially, etc.) the blade shield900 from the retracted position into the clean position over the bladeplatform 420 upon completion of a blend cycle. The blade shield 900 caninclude a rigid housing 200 that seals against a face of the bladeplatform 420, such as between an outer perimeter of the blade platform420 and the perimeter of the blade recess 426 in the blade platform 420,to prevent egress of cleaning fluid from between the blade platform 420and the blade shield 900. For example, the blade shield 900 can definean inverted polymer bucket defining a rim that seals against theelastomeric layer arranged across the blade platform 420. Theelastomeric layer can therefore function both to: seal the rim of thecontainer 120 to the blade platform 420 during a blend cycle; and toseal the blade shield 900 to the blade platform 420 during a cleancycle. However, the blade shield 900 can be of any other form and canengage the blade platform 420 in any other suitable way.

The cleaning fluid injector can be the fluid dispenser 600, or be aseparate fluid manifold. The cleaning fluid can be the same fluidintroduced into the processing chamber 142 (e.g., water), the fluidsupplied by the fluid dispenser 600 with a cleaning additive, be adifferent fluid from a different fluid source, or be any other suitablefluid having any other suitable composition.

The cleaning fluid injector can include: a T-fitting that taps into thefluid line between the regulator and the valve of the fluid dispenser600 described above; a nozzle extending through (or coextensive with)the blade shield 900; a flexible line coupled to the nozzle; and a valvearranged between the flexible line and the T-fitting and actuatable torelease fluid (e.g., water) toward the blade during a clean cycle. Thecleaning fluid injector can also include a soap dispenser thanselectively releases a food-safe soap into the valve or into theflexible line during a clean cycle.

The clean cycle is preferably implemented (e.g., by the processor 180 orother computing system) in response to determination of container 120removal from the container receptacle 320, but can alternatively beimplemented in response to a predetermined number of processing cyclesbeing met (e.g., after 5 containers 120 have been blended), in responseto a predetermined time duration being met (e.g., after 4 hours haspassed since the last clean cycle), or be implemented in response to theoccurrence of any other suitable trigger event. The clean cycle can be arinsing cycle, a sanitizing cycle, or be any other suitable cleaningcycle. In a specific example, the rinsing cycle includes a hot waterrinse at 150° F. after every new container has been removed, and asanitizing cycle includes a 180° F. rinse for 30 seconds every severalhours. However, the clean cycle can be otherwise performed at any othersuitable temperature, pressure, frequency, and duration.

The other components can additionally be operated during the cleancycle. For example, during a clean cycle, the blade actuator 800 canspin the blender blade (e.g., at full- or half-speed), the (first) valvecan open for a full clean cycle period (e.g., ten seconds) to releasewater from the regulator toward the blender blade now enshrouded by theblade shield 900), and a second valve arranged between the soapdispenser and the flexible line can open for a limited period of timeless than the duration of the clean cycle period (e.g., five seconds) torelease soap into the water moving toward the blade. Thus, soapy watercan enter the volume between the blade shield 900 and the blade platform420 to clean (e.g., sanitize) the blender blade and the blade platform420, as in a “wash cycle.” In this example, the second valve can thenclose during the remaining portion of the clean cycle period (e.g., forthe remaining five seconds of the clean cycle period) such that onlyclean, fresh water enters the volume between the blade platform 420 andthe blade shield 900 to rinse soapy water and any other remaining foodwaste from the volume, as in a “rinse cycle.” The cleaning fluidinjector can alternatively include one nozzle, one flexible line, andone (or more) valves selectively dispensing cleaning solution (e.g.,soapy water) into the volume (as in a wash cycle) and one nozzle, oneflexible line, and one (or more) valves selectively dispensing rinsewater (e.g., fresh water) into the volume (as in a rinse cycle).Furthermore, both wash and rinse fluid can then drain from the volume,through the spout in the blade platform 420, into the trough 710 (ordrain).

During the clean cycle, the cleaning fluid injector can inject ordispense fluid (e.g., cleaning fluid, rinse fluid) directly toward theblender blade as the blade actuator 800 spins the blender blade in aforward direction. The blender actuator can also pulse to intermittentlyspin the blender blade, spin the blender blade backward, or actuate theblender blade in any other way and according to any other schema orschedule during a clean cycle.

Upon completion of the clean cycle, the blade shield 900 can remain inthe clean position to shield a user from contact with the blade duringinsertion of a subsequent container 120, and the blade shield 900 canthen retract from the blade platform 420 to enable the blade platform420 to pivot into the first position over the container platform 300 atthe start of a subsequent blend cycle. However, the system 100 caninclude any other suitable cleaning mechanism configured to clean theblades and/or blade assembly 400 of the system 100.

11. Processor and Power Source.

As shown in FIG. 10, the system 100 can additionally include a processor180 that functions to control system operation (e.g., controlperformance of the method described below). The processor 180 ispreferably retained within the housing 200, but can alternatively bearranged external the housing 200. The processor 180 is preferablyhoused within a waterproof casing, but can alternatively be retained inany other suitable manner. The processor 180 is preferably fluidly andthermally isolated from the blade assembly 400, blade actuator 800,container platform 300, or any other system component, but canalternatively be fluidly and/or thermally connected to one or moresystem components. For example, the processor 180 can be thermallyconnected to the container 120 (e.g., arranged along a container 120retention mechanism connected to the container receptacle 320), suchthat heat from the processor 180 can be transferred to the container120, and the container 120 can cool the processor 180.

The processor 180 is preferably connected to the active components ofthe system 100, such as the active actuators (e.g., platformactuator(s)), the sensors, and the switches of the system 100, but canalternatively be connected to the passive components or be connected toany other suitable component. The processor 180 is preferablyelectrically connected to the components (e.g., by a wire), but canalternatively or additionally be wirelessly connected to the components.The processor 180 can additionally include a receiver, transmitter,and/or transponder, and can communicate with external computing systems(e.g., a remote server, user device, etc.).

The system 100 can additionally include a power source that functions topower the active components of the system 100. The power source can be apower storage system (e.g., a battery, such as a lithium ion battery, acapacitor, etc.), a power supply (e.g., a plug couplable to a walloutlet), or be any other suitable power supply. The power source ispreferably connected to the active components by a set of wiredconnections, but can alternatively be wirelessly connected or otherwiseconnected to the components. However the system 100 can include anyother suitable component, operable in any other suitable manner.

12. Method

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, a method for processing foodstuff with anautomated food processing system includes: detecting the presence of acontainer within the container receptacle S100; sealing the containeropening with the blade assembly S200; engaging the set of blades with ablade actuator S300; rotating the set of blades with the blade actuatorS400; and disengaging the blade assembly from the container S500. Themethod functions to process foodstuff within a processing volume. Morepreferably, the method functions to blend foodstuff within a container120. However, the method can process any other suitable foodstuff in anyother suitable volume.

All or part of the method is preferably automatically performed, but canalternatively be manually performed, performed in response to thedetection of trigger events, or be performed at any other suitable timeor frequency. The method is preferably performed by the system 100discussed above (e.g., controlled by the processor 180), but canalternatively be performed or controlled by a different system, a remotecomputing system, or any other suitable apparatus, computing system, orset thereof. The method is preferably performed with a container 120containing foodstuff (e.g., prepackaged with foodstuff), more preferablyfrozen foodstuff, but can alternatively be performed with any othersuitable foodstuff, be performed with a container 120 that receivesfoodstuff dispensed by the system 100 from a reservoir or hopper, or beperformed with any other suitable foodstuff provision system.

Detecting the presence of a container within the container receptacleS100 functions to determine that a container 120 has been receivedwithin the container receptacle 320. Detecting the presence of thecontainer 120 can include: receiving the container 120 within thecontainer receptacle 320, recording a measurement indicative ofcontainer receipt, and determining that the container 120 has beenreceived based on the measurement. The container 120 is preferablyreceived by the container receptacle 320 of the container platform 300,but can alternatively be received by any other suitable component. Thecontainer 120 is preferably received when the container 120 is entirelyor partially inserted into the container receptacle 320, but canalternatively be otherwise received. The container platform 300 ispreferably in the loading position 302 when the container 120 isreceived, but can alternatively be in any other suitable position.Recording the measurement indicative of container receipt is preferablyperformed by the container platform sensor or switch. Examplemeasurements can include detection of a weight or pressure on thelifting mechanism 340 (e.g., detection of a depression force),determination that a laser beam has been interrupted, detection ofactuation of the lifting mechanism 340 or a set of container 120retention mechanisms, or be any other suitable measurement.

Sealing the container opening with the blade assembly S200 functions toform a processing unit 140 (e.g., blending unit), which defines theprocessing chamber 142 in which the foodstuff will be processed (e.g.,blended). The processing unit 140 is preferably cooperatively formed bythe container 120, the container platform 300, the blade assembly 400,and/or blade platform 420, but can alternatively or additionally beformed by any other suitable component. The blade recess 426 ispreferably substantially aligned with the container opening when sealed,but can alternatively be misaligned or in any other suitable relativeorientation. The container opening can be sealed by applying a sealingor other force against the container 120 with the blade assembly 400and/or platform, but can alternatively be sealed in any other suitablemanner. The force can be applied against the container edges forming thecontainer opening, against the container receptacle 320, or applied toany other suitable component. Alternatively or additionally, the methodcan include orienting the set of blades 440 within the container 120.

The container opening can be sealed in response to a container 120 beingpresent within the container receptacle 320 (e.g., in response toreceipt of the container 120, in response to determination that thecontainer 120 is within the container receptacle 320, etc.), in responseto the door 220 being in the closed position (e.g., in response todetermination that the door 220 is in the closed position based on thesensor data, etc.), in response to a combination thereof, or in responseto the occurrence of any other suitable trigger event.

In one variation, sealing the container opening includes: actuating theblade assembly 400 to the disengaged position 424 (e.g., the firstposition), while the container platform 300 is in the loading position302; and coupling the blade assembly 400 (more preferably the bladeplatform 420, but alternatively another component) against the containerplatform 300. Actuating the blade assembly 400 can include moving theblade platform 420 to the disengaged position 424 (e.g., from theengaged position 422, but alternatively from any other suitableposition) with the platform actuator 500, moving a blade platform 420into the first position over the container platform 300, or otherwisearranging the blade assembly 400 over the container opening. The bladeplatform 420 is preferably arranged over the container platform 300 inthe loading position 302 when sealed, but can alternatively be sealed inany other suitable position. Coupling the blade assembly 400 against thecontainer 120 can include coupling the blade assembly 400 to thecontainer platform 300 with a latching mechanism, a set of complimentarymagnetic elements, adhesive, suction (e.g., generated within theprocessing chamber 142), or include any other suitable method ofcoupling the blade assembly 400 to the container 120.

Engaging the set of blades with a blade actuator S300 functions todrivably connect the processing unit 140 with the blade actuator 800.The blades are preferably engaged with the blade actuator 800 after thecontainer opening is sealed, but can alternatively be engaged before(e.g., wherein the blade actuator 800 moves with the set of blades 440)or after. Engaging the set of blades 440 with the blade actuator 800preferably includes actuating the blade assembly 400 to the engagedposition 422 and/or the container platform 300 to the processingposition 304. As shown in FIG. 12, engaging the set of blades 440 withthe blade actuator 800 can additionally include inverting the processingunit 140 (e.g., 150° from the upright position), such that thelongitudinal axis of the container 120 is misaligned with a gravityvector, the container base is elevated above the container opening, orthe container 120 is otherwise tilted or inverted from the uprightposition. In one variation, engaging the set of blades 440 with theblade actuator 800 can include moving the blade platform 420, thecontainer 120, and the container platform 300 in unit to a secondposition, a blade actuator 800 engaging the blender blade in the secondposition. However, the set of blades 440 can be otherwise engaged with ablade actuator 800.

Rotating the set of blades S400 functions to execute the processingcycle. More preferably, rotating the set of blades 440 functions toexecute the blend cycle to blend the foodstuff and/or additives (e.g.,water) within the processing unit 140 (e.g., within the container 120)into an emulsion, but can alternatively process the food in any othersuitable manner. The blades can be rotated at a predetermined rate,frequency, axial position, or have any other suitable operationalparameter controlled. The blade rotation is preferably controlledaccording to recipe or schema, and is preferably controlled by processor180 or other computing system. The blades are preferably actuated by theblade actuator 800, but can alternatively be actuated by any othersuitable acutation mechanism.

Disengaging the blade assembly from the container S500 functions toreveal the container 120—now with blended contents—to the user forretrieval. The blade assembly 400 is preferably disengaged afterrotating the set of blades 440 with the blade actuator 800, but canalternatively be disengaged during blade rotation or at any othersuitable time. Disengaging the blade assembly 400 can include:uprighting the blending unit (e.g., moving the blade assembly 400 to thedisengaged position 424 and the container platform 300 to the loadingposition 302), decoupling the blade assembly 400 from the containerplatform 300, actuating the blade assembly 400 away from the disengagedposition 424 (e.g., toward or to the engaged position 422), andretaining the container platform 300 in the loading position 302.However, the blade assembly 400 can be otherwise disengaged from thecontainer 120. Disengaging the blade assembly 400 can additionallyinclude actuating the door 220 to the open position (e.g., with a door220 actuator), raising the container 120 out of the container receptacle320 (e.g., with the lifting mechanism 340 or releasing a latch retainingthe lifting mechanism 340 in the lowered position), or include any othersuitable process. In a specific example, disengaging the blade assembly400 can include moving the blade platform 420, the container 120, andthe container platform 300 in unit to the first position, unlocking theblade platform 420 from the container platform 300, and moving the bladeplatform 420 into the second position to reveal the container 120 for aconsumer, wherein the container platform 300 supports the container 120in an upright orientation in the first position. Disengaging the bladeassembly can additionally include opening a vent to equalize the chamberpressure with the external pressure prior to moving the blade platform420 into the second position. However, the blade assembly 400 can beotherwise disengaged from the container 120 and/or container platform300.

The method can additionally include agitating the processing unit S420,which functions to dislodge clumps within the processing chamber 142.The processing unit 140 is preferably agitated during the processingcycle, but can alternatively be agitated before, after, or at anysuitable time relative to the processing cycle (e.g., blend cycle). Theprocessing unit 140 can be agitated one or more times. Agitating theprocessing unit 140 can include shaking the processing unit 140laterally, shaking the processing unit 140 longitudinally or arcuately,rotating the processing unit 140 in a direction opposing the directionof blade rotation, rotating the blades in the opposing direction, orotherwise agitating fluid flow within the processing chamber 142. In onevariation, agitating the blending unit can include, partway through theblend cycle: uprighting the blending unit, inverting the blending unit(and recoupling the blending assembly to the blade actuator 800), andresuming the blend cycle. However, the processing unit 140 can beotherwise agitated.

The method can additionally include adjusting the foodstuff temperature,which functions to melt the foodstuff, bring the foodstuff to apredetermined temperature (e.g., for consumption), and/or facilitatebetter food processing. Adjusting the foodstuff temperature can includeheating the foodstuff, cooling the foodstuff, maintaining the foodstufftemperature, or otherwise adjusting the foodstuff temperature. Adjustingthe foodstuff temperature can include introducing heated fluid into theprocessing chamber 142 (e.g., by adding water via the fluid dispenser600, etc.), heating the container 120 (e.g., with heating elementsthermally coupled to the container receptacle 320), heating the bladeassembly 400, or otherwise applying heat to foodstuff. The foodstuff ispreferably heated after the blade assembly 400 is sealed against thecontainer opening, but can alternatively be heated before or at anyother suitable point in time. Adjusting the foodstuff temperature byintroducing water at a predetermined temperature can include: adjustingthe amount of fluid introduced into the processing chamber 142 andproviding a predetermined volume of fluid into the processing chamber142, adjusting the temperature to which the fluid is heated, orotherwise adjusting the temperature of the foodstuff.

The method can additionally include cleaning the blade assembly and/orcontainer platform S600, which functions to sterilize, rinse, orotherwise clean the food-contacting portions of the system 100. Thefood-contacting components can be rinsed, scrubbed, heated above apredetermined temperature, gassed (e.g., with iodine), misted (e.g.,with alcohol), or otherwise cleaned. The food-contacting components canbe rinsed with the fluid used in or similar to that introduced into theprocessing chamber 142 to heat the foodstuff, cleaning fluid, or be anyother suitable fluid. However, the blade assembly 400 can be otherwisecleaned.

As shown in FIG. 13, one variation of cleaning the blade assembly 400includes: moving a blade shield 900 into a cleaning position over theblade assembly 400 to envelope the blades to form a cleaning chamber162; actuating the blade actuator 800 during a clean cycle to rotate theblades; injecting a cleaning fluid toward the blender blade during theclean cycle; and, in response to completion of the clean cycle,retracting the blade shield 900 from the clean position. The blade ispreferably in the engaged position 422 as the blade shield 900 movesfrom the retracted position to the cleaning position, but canalternatively be in any other suitable position. Enveloping the bladeassembly 400 can include cooperatively enclosing the blades between theblade platform 420 and the blade shield 900, enclosing the blade recess426, or otherwise encompassing the blade. The blade assembly 400 can besealed against the blade shield 900, forced against the blade shield 900(e.g., by a latch or other coupling mechanism), or otherwise coupled tothe blade shield 900. However, the cleaning chamber 162 can be formedand cleaned in any other suitable manner.

The method can additionally include facilitating effluent egress fromthe cleaning chamber 162, which functions to remove the rinsate from thecleaning chamber 162. This can include opening a valve fluidlyconnecting the egress manifold 700 with the cleaning chamber 162,decreasing the sealing or coupling force between the blade assembly 400and container platform 300, or otherwise facilitating fluid flow betweenthe cleaning chamber 162 and a trough 710 or other fluid reservoir.However, the effluent can be otherwise removed.

The systems and methods of the invention can be embodied and/orimplemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive acomputer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. Theinstructions can be executed by computer-executable componentsintegrated with the application, applet, host, server, network, website,communication service, communication interface,hardware/firmware/software elements of a user computer or mobile device,or any suitable combination thereof. Other systems and methods of theembodiments can be embodied and/or implemented at least in part as amachine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storingcomputer-readable instructions. The instructions can be executed bycomputer-executable components integrated by computer-executablecomponents integrated with systems and networks of the type describedabove. The computer-readable medium can be stored on any suitablecomputer readable media such as RAMs, ROMs, flash memory, EEPROMs,optical devices (CD or DVD), hard drives, floppy drives, or any suitabledevice. The computer-executable component can be a processor 180, thoughany suitable dedicated hardware device can (alternatively oradditionally) execute the instructions.

Although omitted for conciseness, the preferred embodiments includeevery combination and permutation of the various system components andthe various method processes.

As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detaileddescription and from the figures and claims, modifications and changescan be made to the embodiments of the invention without departing fromthe scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A method for preparing frozen foodstuff with a system, thefrozen foodstuff contained within a container defining a containeropening, the method comprising: determining receipt of the containerwithin a container receptacle of the system; automatically sealing ablade assembly of the system against the container opening to form ablending unit, the blade assembly comprising a set of blades;automatically engaging the set of blades with a blade actuator of thesystem, wherein engaging the set of blades includes inverting theblending unit; automatically rotating the set of blades with the bladeactuator; uprighting the blending unit after automatically rotating theset of blades with the blade actuator; and automatically disengaging theblade assembly from the container.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising automatically agitating the blending unit duringautomatically rotating the set of blades with the blade actuator.
 3. Themethod of claim 2, wherein rotating the set of blades with the bladeactuator comprises blending the foodstuff within the container, whereinagitating the blending unit comprises uprighting, then inverting, theblending unit part way through blending the foodstuff.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising automatically heating the foodstuff withinthe container.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein heating the foodstuffwithin the container comprises automatically introducing liquid at acontrolled temperature from a liquid supply into the container prior toautomatically rotating the set of blades with the blade actuator.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, further comprising automatically rinsing the set ofblades with liquid at the controlled temperature from the liquid sourceafter determination of door actuation of a door of the system to an openposition, wherein the controlled temperature is at least 150° F.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising automatically determining doorclosure of a door of the system, wherein the blade assembly isautomatically sealed against the container opening in response todetermination of door closure and container receipt.
 8. A method forpreparing frozen foodstuff with a system, the method comprising:determining receipt of a container comprising a container opening withina container receptacle defined within a container platform, thecontainer platform pivotally connected along a first container platformedge to a system body and operable between a loading position and aprocessing position distinct from the loading position; coupling a bladeplatform to the container platform, the blade platform supporting ablade assembly including a set of blades, the blade platform pivotallyconnected along a first blade platform edge to the system body, theblade assembly sealed against the container opening; moving the bladeplatform and the container platform from a disengaged position in whichthe set of blades is not rotatably coupled to a blade actuator to anengaged position in which the set of blades is rotatably coupled to theblade actuator; rotating the set of blades responsive to moving theblade platform and the container platform to the engaged position;moving the blade platform and the container platform from the engagedposition to the disengaged position; and decoupling the blade platformfrom the container platform.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein couplingthe blade platform to the container platform includes sealing a bladeassembly supported by the blade platform with the container.
 10. Themethod of claim 8, further comprising moving the blade platform toengage with the container platform responsive to determining receipt ofthe container within the container receptacle.
 11. The method of claim8, further comprising delivering a fluid into the container via a liquidmanifold fluidly connected to the blade chamber defined within the bladeplatform, the blade chamber partially enclosing the set of blades. 12.The method of claim 8, wherein rotating the set of blades responsive tomoving the blade platform and the container platform to the engagedposition includes actuating a blade actuator responsive to the bladeactuator engaging with a driveshaft rotatably mounting the set of bladesto the blade platform.
 13. The method of claim 8, further comprising:moving the coupled blade platform and the container platform from theengaged position to the disengaged position.
 14. The method of claim 8,wherein decoupling the blade platform from the container platformincludes moving the blade platform away from the container platform. 15.The method of claim 8, wherein coupling a blade platform to thecontainer platform includes sealing the blade assembly against thecontainer opening.
 16. The method of claim 8, further comprising moving,responsive to rotating the set of blades for a predetermined timeduration; the blade platform and the container platform from the engagedposition towards the disengaged position and moving the blade platformand the container platform back to the engaged position; and rotatingthe set of blades again responsive to moving the blade platform and thecontainer platform back to the engaged position.